"First Reformed": Nihilism Versus Religion

Sometimes the best movies are the ones that you don't totally agree with.

"First Reformed" is directed and written by Paul Schrader, who also wrote "Taxi Driver".  This film is about a depressed priest who has to cope with the death of his son, then grows more troubled as the film continues.  However, the film is more focused on symbolism and the thought-provoking implications of the character's actions. 


The performances are all great.  Ethan Hawke, Cedric the Entertainer and Amanda Seyfried are all celebrities that I recognize yet fall so deep into their roles I forget they are playing a character.  The direction and cinematography is simple, open yet confined and incredibly effective.


"First Reformed" deals with so many complicated themes.  It shows how the old, traditional pastor has to deal with a world changing both in mentality and physicality.  One of the most important motifs throughout the film is about climate change and the destruction of our planet, questioning if God can forgive us for what we have done to his creation.


There are questions of faith, indulgence, remorse and spirituality throughout.  This film is less about discussing the existence of God as much as it is exploring the purpose and consequences of religion.  I am going to refrain from giving my own personal interpretation in this post because I feel like this film is one that everyone should experience through their own perspective.


"First Reformed" is a slow, thought-provoking experience that is very hard to forget, but it is not a film for everybody.  It is dark and twisted in a way that could turn people off and possibly even change their thoughts for the worse.  However, it is the most powerful and emotionally gripping film I have seen in a very long time.